Today, I want to take you on a journey through my experience as a vendor, starting from my beginnings in Sunrise FL to participating in some of the biggest cultural festivals across the United States.
It all began in 2020 when I decided to turn my love for Kdramas into something more tangible by starting my Etsy shop. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to incredible opportunities and unforgettable experiences.
My first taste of the vendor life came in 2021 when I attended my very first event at Blended Bistro Boba in Orlando. It was a Got7 Bam Bam cupsleeve event hosted by Purple You Orlando, and being surrounded by other fans was an experience like no other.
Throughout 2022, I found myself immersing deeper into the K-pop community, attending a whopping 25 cupsleeve events and 2 festivals (Kpop Fanart Fair hosted by Purple You Orlando and Orlando Korea Festival Hosted by the Orlando Korea Culture Center.) The highlight of that year was locking in my first and biggest convention spot at Kplay Fest OC inside the Anime Impulse, Sneaker Expo, and Asian American Expo in California.
But the journey didn't stop there. I opened the first Korean Babes Tee Pop-up in Sunrise, inside my family's print shop, Odcaf Express.
In December 2022, I decided to introduce printing services and support event hosts in creating custom cupsleeves. Although I couldn't physically attend as a vendor due to scheduling conflicts in 2023, I was thrilled to still be a part of these events in some way. And of course, I couldn't miss out on returning to the Orlando Korea Festival for the second year in a row!
I also ventured into the world of Anime conventions, participating in events like Fort Lauderdale Con, Ultra Con in West Palm Beach and Tampa Bay Comic Convention.
Reflecting on this journey fills me with immense pride. What started as a simple family reunion turned into a lifeline for me during challenging times. With my mom's support, I was able to channel my love for drawing into a thriving family business. It's amazing how something as simple as a hobby can transform into a source of joy and fulfillment.
As of 2024, we have brought official OST albums to the US, and also had the privilege of participating in two more fantastic events: the Asian Culture Festival in Miami and Collective Con in Jacksonville. These experiences have opened doors for me, including an upcoming opportunity at The Otakufest in Miami this May. Additionally, I've launched a new YouTube channel featuring unboxing videos for the albums.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue this not so small shop. My hope is that through my products and presence at these events, I can bring a little bit of brightness and joy into people's lives, just as K-culture has done for me.